The Cuban Question: Did Trump Trade Sphere-of-Influence with China? - #949

Savage speculates that President Trump may have discussed a sphere-of-influence understanding with China: U.S. freedom of action in Cuba in exchange for Chinese leeway over Taiwan. He argues Cuba has been devastated by decades of military-backed communist dictatorship, leaving people desperate for medicine and food, and warns the U.S. must avoid an economic collapse that could trigger another Mariel-style migrant crisis. He suggests the U.S. appears to be moving toward a Venezuela-style playbook of removing Cuba's leadership, then working with friendlier leaders to rebuild the economy, revive tourism, and spark massive investment. He contrasts this with the Taiwan risk, mentions rumors of moving Taiwan's chip industry to Arizona, and concludes Americans mainly care about pocketbook issues—gas, bread, and inflation.